Telegram has unveiled a ban on other blockchain integrations in an exclusive deal with The Open Network (TON) for crypto apps and games.
Pavel Durov-led Telegram reignited the official alliance with TON as the two companies unveiled an exclusive deal on January 22. The messaging platform forces all widgets with crypto integrations to use TON. The platform will provide various benefits to initiatives that use the network.
Manuel Stutz, President of the Tone Foundation, praised the exclusive integration of Blockchain with Telegram. The executive described the integration as a strategic step forward that will ultimately strengthen and elevate TON’s position as one of the leading global blockchains.
Stutz noted that Telegram is among the world’s leading messaging apps, with its network hosting more than 950 million active users. He added that the agreement represents an unparalleled opportunity for TON at the heart of blockchain innovation.
Telegram was the initial creator of TON, and it was then identified as the Telegram Open Network. It will abandon the initiative in 2020, citing regulatory scrutiny. This allowed a community of creators to develop TON, and release it as the open network externally.
Telegram announces an exclusive deal with TON
Telegram and TON have been linked since mid-2023. The messaging platform unveiled the TON Wallet app, a move that fueled the latest wave of tap-to-earn games. Cryptocurrency games, including Notcoin and Hamster Kombat, have attracted hundreds of millions of players.
In addition, Telegram supports channel operators, receiving a portion of advertising revenues that are settled via Toncoin (TON). The initiative features a companion Telegram Stars currency, although they are redeemable for TONs for in-app use. Furthermore, Telegram hinted early this month that it would allow users to mint stickers within the app that are NFTs tradable on TON.
The latest exclusive use agreement makes Telegram and TON compatible and sticky. It will take Telegram mini-apps and games that previously used the SUI and Aptos networks to move to the TON blockchain. The migration will also extend to the TON Connect protocol to allow it to retain its cryptographic functionality.
Stotz explained that it will block the current wallet protocols available to non-TON chains. However, its existence will only allow users to link assets from competing blockchains. Applets containing this cryptographic functionality will exercise exclusive use on the TON blockchain to ensure scalability and security in user experiences.
The TON Foundation has confirmed that it will award grants to migrant projects within the 30-day time frame. It plans to offer grants of a maximum of $50,000, although it is proportional to the size of the audience. However, the latest pledge deems previous beneficiaries ineligible for this scholarship.
Is the TON-Telegram marriage at the right time?
The revelations about the Telegram and Ton team came to light one day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. His return to the Oval Office comes on the heels of the Republican politician’s pro-crypto campaign, promising regulatory changes to support the digital assets industry.
A notable development in cryptocurrency regulation is the exit of SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, who is considered an opponent and has targeted the industry. Meanwhile, pro-crypto commissioner Mark Ueda succeeded Gensler in the acting position. This will ensure a smooth transition to Paul Atkins, who was nominated by Trump for this role.
While Stutz avoided alluding to political development, he noted that parties often forge long-term alliances. A telegram announcement is a natural but strategic alignment. He is considered well-versed, having championed open source technology for several years. Additionally, the messaging app supports the enhanced global Web3 community.
TON shares this goal, since it is well positioned to support the realization of this vision, Stutz emphasized. He adds that TON’s choice of exclusive use of the blockchain will allow Telegram to provide robust, scalable and reliable solutions to developers and users.
Editorial credit: Sergey Elagin / Shutterstock.com
